Planes, Trains & Automobiles...Well, Kinda!

The 2011 San Mateo Sister City Association Goodwill team has arrived in Toyonaka and already taken Kyoto by storm. Our first day here and I feel like we have already reenacted the movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Today’s tour of Kyoto included subway rides, public buses and plenty of walking.

The tour started with a trip to Nijo Castle

From Toyonaka 2011

which was followed by a stop at the Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion.

From Toyonaka 2011

After a buffet lunch, the group went to Heian Shrine.

From Toyonaka 2011

The tour wrapped up with a short stay at Kiyomizu Temple.

From Toyonaka 2011

Heat and sweat was the main topic of the day. We tried to warn the boys every day about the weather; however it never seems to set in until it is experienced for the first time. Today, we experienced it…and boy was HOT!

After the tour, we had a little time to relax back at the hotel. Dinner was conveniently down the street which was a combination of Chow Mein and Okonomiyaki.

Tomorrow, we join our friends in Toyonaka. Our boys will be meeting their host families and the beginning of the exchange begins!

More to come tomorrow.